Jurgen Klopp’s past comments and experiences offer a revealing perspective on Liverpool’s current difficulties under Arne Slot.
Liverpool are going through a severe slump, having lost nine of their last twelve matches in all competitions. For Slot, this marks the toughest period since he guided the club to the Premier League title last season. The 4–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, following heavy losses to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, has intensified the pressure.
The Reds now sit 12th in the Premier League table with 18 points from 12 games, behind both Everton and Manchester United. Slot’s position looks increasingly fragile, yet his situation closely resembles the challenges Klopp faced during the 2020–21 campaign — a season that also followed a title triumph.
After winning the Premier League by a dominant 18-point margin in 2019–20 and maintaining a 68-game unbeaten league run at Anfield, Klopp’s side suddenly collapsed during the pandemic season played behind closed doors. Liverpool endured six straight home defeats, prompting questions about whether Klopp was facing one of the most difficult periods of his managerial career. He admitted at the time that it was.
Klopp responded by emphasising resilience: his team had been excellent, and now they were confronted with an equally extreme challenge. And despite appearing at risk of missing out on European qualification, Liverpool mounted a remarkable recovery. After losing 1–0 to Fulham at Anfield, they went unbeaten for the remainder of the campaign, finishing with eight wins and two draws in their final ten matches. That run lifted them to third place and secured Champions League football.
Klopp’s ability to turn around a collapsing season demonstrates to Slot that even the bleakest moments can be reversed — and that his own future could yet be shaped by how he responds now.
Arne Slot Addresses Liverpool Leadership
Speaking on Thursday after the PSV defeat, Slot was asked whether he had spoken with sporting director Richard Hughes amid growing speculation about his job security. He said their discussions have remained unchanged since his arrival and that the focus continues to be on improvement.
When asked whether he felt let down by his players, Slot rejected the idea. He acknowledged that performances have not met the club’s expectations, but stressed that both praise and criticism should be directed at the team collectively rather than individuals.
Slot, much like Klopp once did, insists he will keep fighting through this difficult period. Liverpool now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League match against West Ham at the London Stadium — a crucial opportunity to revive their season
